MSc Econ International Relations

**Funding opportunities available**

This programme of study is designed to give postgraduate students a comprehensive grounding in the disciplinary and academic skills that are central to the study of International Relations. The programme bridges the sub-fields of international relations theory, political philosophy, political science, international law, foreign policy analysis, international history and international political economy. It also allows a degree of specialisation through participation in research and writing of a dissertation supervised by an expert in the field.

Programme

• The MScEcon is divided in to two parts. Part one is the taught element and is made up of core compulsory courses (Issues in International Relations; Research Methods and Skills) and optional modules (such as International Law, Just War and Humanitarian Intervention, Anglo-American Foreign Policy etc).
• Success in Part one entitles the candidate to graduate with the postgraduate diploma in IR or to proceed to part two and the dissertation stage. In part two a candidate will construct and execute a piece of research in a field they select in partnership with one of our experts.

Structure

• The MSc Econ International Relations Handbook has more detailed information on the degree structure, requirements and courses offered.

Assessment

• The majority of postgraduate assessment in the taught element is by essay/coursework. There are some examinations in the core courses. The second part of the programme is a 15000-20000 word dissertation

Teaching

• Teaching is predominantly by seminar. There are some lectures early in the first semester. When writing the dissertation students are assigned a supervisor from the academic staff.
• The School appears in the 1st quartile of all major indicators in the UK's Research Assessment Exercise, including 2nd of 27 for Research Power

Duration

• One year full-time
• Two years part-time

Starting date

• There is one intake each year in late September

Fees and support

• For information on all fees
• Scholarships are available

University residences

• All overseas/EU postgraduate students are guaranteed a single occupancy place in University residences, subject to conditions
• Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee UK postgraduates a place in University residences, but we organise a House Hunting Event to assist in your hunt for accommodation
• The majority of study bedrooms have en-suite facilities and all halls of residence have high speed internet access
• The Residences web site has further details on accommodation

Living expenses

• Cardiff: ‘one of the cheapest and safest cities in the UK’ (Sunday Times University Guide 2011)
• For 2011-12 the average student living expenses for the year, including the cost of accommodation, food, books, and other items, is expected to be approximately £8,400

Entry requirements

• The equivalent of a second class degree (2.1) is normally required (eg. Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above)
• There are English language requirements for those whose first language is not English. The equivalent of 6.5 in IELTS including 6 in each element and 6.5 in writing must be obtained, or 580 in TOEFL

When to apply

• Early application is strongly recommended
• Later applications will be considered, but international students must bear in mind the time needed to obtain a visa

How to apply

• Applications can either be made online or by using paper forms
• Supporting documentation including references will be required